Middleton family introduces royal-themed baby shower products on party website

The Middleton family party business is now selling royal-themed baby shower and first birthday products. (Party Pieces)

Are Kate Middleton’s parents trying to cash in on their daughter’s pregnancy?

Many Brits think yes, after Carole and Michael Middleton introduced new lines of baby shower and 1st birthday products on their Party Pieces website this week.

“The arrival of a first grandchild is usually a source of great celebration,” the UK’s Daily Mail reported. “And for Carole and Michael Middleton it would appear to be a good business opportunity too.”

The royal couple announced their pregnancy earlier this month and the national news media closely followed Kate Middleton’s struggle with morning sickness that landed the Duchess of Cambridge in the hospital. Only a few weeks later, the Middleton family’s party supplies website introduced baby products emblazoned with castles and prince and princess crowns.

The ‘Little Prince’ and ‘Little Princess’ party sets—which include plates, napkins and cutlery—are described as “suitable for American-style baby showers, christening parties or first birthday celebrations.”

This isn’t the first time the Middleton family has come under fire for selling royal-themed supplies on their website (which is thought to be profitable since the family recently purchased an estate costing 4.7 million pounds). Many Brits found items themed around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Royal Wedding tacky and inappropriate.

What do you think? Is the Middleton family crossing the line? Or are they simply running a business?